OU bad result

[Bufftailed]

Hi all,

Looking for advice. Am half way though my OU degree and just got a grade 3 for a 30 credit level 2 module - 1st for the assessment, but went right down on the exam. Feeling really low about this. This was first timed exam and I crashed. Have pinned a lot on this degree for my future and will have more timed exams. I got a grade 2 for my other 30 credit module. If I can’t get a 2.1 overall will be pointless for what I want to do…

Any thoughts??

I am sorry you have been disappointed. You need exam practice. There is loads of advice on the internet on preparing for exams and approaching them. Also, get information on how to actively revise and practice for an exam. Have you spoken to your tutor?I am sure the OU also has resources you could access. Speak to student services.

Being good at exams and being good at the subject are two different things, and you need both to get a high mark. If you’re getting good marks for the TMAs then you’re halfway there, you just need more exam practice.

You may have done this, but try and get hold of as many past papers as possible for your next exam (free from the OU shop), and scour the module forums for the answers. Also make the most of any practice questions on the module website. Becoming as familiar as possible with the style of question you’re likely to be asked will help.

Thanks both. The pressure got to me. I also can’t rely on my memory and as you said need much more active revision and practice. Hopefully can pull it back. Appreciate your replies

You’ll be fine. Think of this one as a practice run for the next. You’ve got plenty of time to bump your marks up to a 2:1. Have you found a grade calculator so you can work out exactly what you need from your remaining modules? If not then get on the Open University Facebook group.

How much do you really need to memorise? The exams I’ve done so far have been open book, which means you could do things like have the pdf open (on a second screen if possible) and use Ctrl+F to quickly navigate around the book during the exam, or photocopying the most important pages and sticking them on the wall behind your desk.

Thanks. Yeah I have put lots of scenarios in to the calculator and i can afford a few 2.2s and come out with a 2.1. Obviously I want to do as well as possible. So it is doable, you are right.

The exam was open book but i was unable to look anything up as i panicked and spent ages on a section which should have been quick, then hugely ran out of time. I do tend to work quite slowly,, which i definitely need to improve. But my body and mind tensed up and it all went to pot. I know a lot of peers managed to look a lot up.

Next year i have two modules with 40% exam (this year was 75% exam). If I put strategies in place and get v high marks on assessment hopefully ok. Year 3s compulsory module is 75% exam but the other two modules are assessment.

Will take it step by step. Feeling a bit better now shock warn off. Appreciate your words

I found practising with previous OU exam paper really helpful 👍

One lower result won't scupper your final grade.

Get practising exam techniques.

Open book exams - mark up your book to help. Underline/circle keys parts. I used a range of coloured highlighters to 'code' the corners of important sections and pages by topic.

Try old papers under timed conditions.

Stay in charge of your time. Look at the questions, allocate an amount of time to each one, then when you reach it move on. You can always leave a blank space so if you have time at the end, you can add to an incomplete one. Better 10 partly answered questions than 3 fully answered and 7 not started.